Located in the south of Zhaoxian
County, Hebei Province, Anji Bridge spans the Jiao River. Zhaoxian County was
called Zhaozhou in the past, so the bridge is also named Zhaozhou Bridge. Local
people call it Big Stone Bridge.
Designed by the famous artisan Li Chun, the
bridge's construction started in the reign of Kaihuang (590) and was completed
in the reign of Daye (608) of the Sui Dynasty (581-618). The 50.82-meter-long
and 9.6-meter-wide bridge is a single segmental stone arch, composed of 28
individual arches laid transversely, 37.37 meters in span. Each of its spandrels
is perforated by two small arches, with net span of 3.81m and 2.85m respectively
at the two ends and in the center, so that floodwater can be divided, and the
weight of the bridge is lightened as well. This design not only saves stone
materials, but also presents a unique and exquisite structure, which is a
pioneering design in the world bridge history and has significant influence on
the architecture of the later dynasties. In foreign countries, this bridge of
the architectural structure was not popular in Europe until the 19th
century.
The segmental deck and the parapets are engraved
with dragons, animal faces, flowers and bamboos, etc., demonstrating high-level
carving techniques, bold and with ease and grace. Besides, both sides of
the bridge are ornamented with dragonhead and eight-petal lotus flowers. All of
these add charm and elegance to the bridge. Generations of scholars and poets mentioned
this bridge in their works. Du Deyuan, a poet in the Song Dynasty (960-1279)
once wrote a poem, describing the beauty and convenience the bridge brought
to the locals. The popular folk song Xiao Fang Niu (the Little
Cowboy) lends more mystery to the bridge.
Anji Bridge is a great accomplishment in the
world bridge history. It is universally recognized for its epoch-making
structure, and has enjoyed high prestige in the bridge history both in China and
overseas.